Acts of Random Kindness to You

I just wanted to wish all the ladies out there a Happy Mother’s Day! I am not a mother, but I have a mother and this is a significant day. Mothers work hard all year long and they deserve a day to be appreciated and shown gratitude.

We went to breakfast this morning at Bob Evans and brought back breakfast for my 81 year old Mother in Law. She is no dummy. She knew getting out would mean a crowded restaurant so instead her wish was for breakfast to be brought to her.

Tonight we will get together with my mother and brothers. We are having just some Little Ceasar’s pizzas. It may sound not too fancy, but it keeps from anyone having to prepare and do dishes on what should be a relaxing day!

So, how are you celebrating? Don’t forget to call your aunts, grandmas, and other special ladies in your life. It will mean a lot and we can change the world with one random act of kindness at a time!

I am not overtly religious. Oh, I was raised in a church and I do believe in God and Heaven, but when it comes to organized religion, I am a bit remiss in taking part. Sometimes, I feel bad about that and other times I think my reasons are legitimate. So, I go about my merry way simply trying to be a good person and to do what I think is right. I own up to things that I do wrong and try to fix them and I always give thanks to whomever deserves it.

So, today, I will indeed Thank God. This weekend, we traveled for “Girls Weekend” in Syracuse, NY. It was my sister-in-law, my mom, and my 6 year old niece. About halfway through the day, it happened. It all seemed like slow motion and yet it happened so fast. We were in a head on collision. I remember thinking that there was nothing more we could do and watching the other vehicle slam into us. I never screamed or panicked and I immediately checked to be sure everyone was okay. Then I saw the other man’s windshield, it was shattered and I was concerned. Somehow, some way, he was fine too.

It didn’t make the weekend great, but it could have been much worse. I could have been bitter that our weekend was ruined, but instead I was so grateful that it was only the vehicles that were hurt. Once we got our wits about us, the cops were called and came. We were able to get back on our way once a mechanic looked at the truck.

So, I am home now and still amazed that even though we are all sore and even a little bit shaken, we are all physically fine. Someone was looking over us this past Saturday and I believe that for each person, it may have been whomever or whatever they believe in, but as for me, I will indeed, “THANK GOD!”

Who knew that making a call could make such an incredible difference in someone’s day? Yesterday, I was in Wal-mart and when I came out with my cart loaded, the wind was blowing in gusts of 40 mph or better. It was terrible.

A young man in his teens approached me and said that Wal-mart had put extra help on to assist in the parking lot due to the wind. I told him I was fine, but he insisted on helping. He was such a polite young man and absolutely refused a tip. As he walked away in the wind I heard him say, “Have a great night.” I chuckled. I mean he was going to be the one standing in the wind and rain for the next several hours and yet he smiled and said this to me.  After a long day, I left Wal-mart with a smile.

On my way home, I decided to call management and let them know about this experience. The manager was so pleased that she was heading out to the parking lot to let the young man know. On top of that, his parents had both been laid off and he had been asking for extra hours a lot lately. She stated to me, “He is going to get some of those extra hours because of this call.”  Apparently she had taken a lot of guff from other employees about this not so fun job, but he had just been pleased for the hours.

If you are ever in doubt, make that call and let people know when they have done something well. It could make the difference and it never hurts to spread a little extra kindness.

Television is always one of those topics that can heat up a discussion. Some people love it, some people hate it and others don’t think much about it one way or the other. Today, one has to be a little picky about what they are going to watch on television especially when it comes to children.

However, that is not to say that there are some really good program options out there. Still fighting the good fight are the PBS stations available in most places. From Sesame Street to Masterpiece Theater; if you look long enough there is something for everyone on PBS.

There is lots of family fun to be found on TVLand and other stations as well. Personally, I watch what I want to watch, but I am not looking out for the influence it might have on children either. I know and follow good morals as well as understanding right from wrong, so if I decide to watch a rather slanted sit com one night or a fast paced action show another night, I am not convinced it is hurting me.

I would love to hear what others think about the topic of televison programming as well…so share away and remember no matter what you watch, it is really all about actions. Spread a little kindness before settling down to watch television tonight.

This week is Valentine’s Week. It should not catch anyone by surprise considering the things were out in the store far before the Christmas holiday was even a memory. However, one of the best things in my mind about Valentine’s Day is it is a chance to spread a little extra love. It isn’t about the chocolates, flowers, and other gifts although those are all nice; it is about the kindness and generosity in the air on this special day.

Many people think that in order to enjoy Valentine’s Day, you have to be part of a couple, but love comes in many forms. Spend some extra time with an elderly relative, take those nieces and nephews for a night so their parents can go out, call a friend that you know is alone or think of something completely different to do to show love.

Love is a great thing, but never forget that it comes in more than simply the romantic form. Remember to love yourself first and then look for ways to love others. Still not sure what to do on this holiday? I am sure that there are many volunteer opportunities in your community that would “LOVE” to have you.

Take some time and spread some kindness to make the world a better place ! Most importantly, Happy Valentine’s Day !

The time has come whether we agree or disagree to welcome Barack Obama as the next United States President. I have mixed feelings about him as do many others, but one thing I have never had mixed feelings about is that once someone is the leader of our country, I will do my best to support them. Otherwise, I feel like we are not a lot different than some other countries where there are always two sides at odds with each other. That kind of throws the “United” piece right out of our country.

Being a teacher, I would say that I am most interested in the impact all of this has on Obama’s two daughters. I can’t imagine how overwhelmed they must feel about what is going on around them. We will literally watch these two young ladies grow up before our eyes and it is my greatest wish that it all goes smoothly for them. They are after all just children.

So, I welcome you Mr. Obama as the next leader of our country. I wish you only the best and hope that you lead us all to success and happiness. My biggest wish however is for the safety of both you and your loved ones. How do you feel on this historical day ?

The economy is a mess and I don’t know that I would find anyone who would dispute that is true. I see the articles about food pantries being down on donations and more people needing to use them. It makes me sad.

However, today one of my students brought something to my attention. She is in a club that looks out for Animal Welfare.  Her question posed to me was “What about the pets?”  She began to explain that her group is about to start a food drive and she wants to put a box in my classroom. The food collected will be pet food.

They aren’t trying to encourage anyone to get new pets that can’t afford them, but they want those that use the food pantry already to be able to feed those pets they already own. The SPCA here is full and if people can’t afford to take care of their pets, it is scary what they might choose to do with their pets instead.

I will admit that I had never thought of things from this perspective. It makes sense and I am glad she has found something that means a lot to her. She is a good girl and she has taught the teacher something all new today.

Another way of spreading kindness and making the world a better place.

Well, welcome to everyone, but in case any of my Gather friends from the Kindness All Year Round group decide to visit here, I wanted to give them their very own special welcome. Not a member of Gather?? Oh my, how do you exisit without Gather?

Gather is an amazing social networking site where you can earn gift cards and even cash by simply getting to know other people. There is a referral program and as much as I would love to have a referral from any of my readers, it is more important for me to have you visit a site that you might enjoy. So, head on over to Gather.com and let me know what you think. I can’t help but imagine you will be thanking me for letting you in on this little piece of the world.

As for my already Gather friends, back me up on this and let the world know how great Gather really is…it is isn’t it? I am so glad you have stopped by my blog. Remember the world will be a better place with one act of random kindness at a time!

So, this is it, the end of 2008. I can’t say that 2008 was the best year in my life. We struggled with my dad’s Alzheimers before finally having to place him in the nursing home in August. As daddy’s little girl, I found it all a little traumatic, but in many ways I was fortunate. I had a husband to lean on and my mother was stronger than I could have ever imagined during such a difficult time. I still get to see my dad and other than the Alzheimer’s, he does not seem to be suffering. Things could be much worse and for many people in the world, they are much worse.

So, I wanted to take a minute and wish everyone a Happy New Year and remind people that each of us has something to be thankful for even when things get us down. It might be children or grandchildren, it might be a great career, or it might simply be a strong faith in God. Whatever it is, remember to use it to strengthen you in 2009.

My final thought of 2008 is the same as my first thought of 2008 and that is that we can all make the world a better place with just one act of random kindness at a time. Happy New Year and welcome to 2009!!

Tonight I came across a really neat post on another website that I frequent. I requested the author’s permission to use the post here and she had no problem with me doing that, so thanks Gail M. for such a great post about such a great topic and for the permission to share it with others here on ARK2U. It takes one act of kindness at a time to make the world a better place. Here is her post:

Hmm… wondering what’s up?   Don’t you love and appreciate when someone does something nice for you, especially when it is totally unexpected?  And doesn’t it feel good to do good things for others, as well, especially those who are really in need?   Well, that’s kinda what this is about!

Have you seen “PAY IT FORWARD”? (great movie, go rent it if you haven’t seen it!)   Have you read The Kingdom Assignment, by Denny and Leesa Bellesi?

I just finished it, and would love to share it with you. The book is about a pastor who asks for 100 volunteers in his church , and this is what he says. “I have an assignment for you that will change your life.  A Kingdom Assignment.

Before you say no, before you tell me that you are too busy, too untrained, or too ill-equipped to handle one more assignment - especially one for the Kingdom of God, think about this: If you accept the assignment, you will take a small amount of money and increase it up to a hundredfold or more.  You will have the means to help countless people- some with food and clothing, others with medicine or the gospel message-and  in the process, no matter how much money your investment turns into, no matter how many people you will help, you will walk away with more than what your investment will ever make and more than those you’ve invested in.

Interested?”   -and then he gave each of the 100 volunteers a hundred dollars each.    He also have them three rules: -the money belongs to God -invest it in God’s work -report back in 90 days   The people in the church were nervous and uneasy, but then they got excited!  Even those who were not in the original 100 did the assignment, or helped those who were.

This little assignment got the church buzzing, then the town, and even reporters for newspapers and tv were there when the 90 days were up and they all reported back to give their reports.   What had they done?  Whatever God led them to do!

Here are just some examples (if you want some full stories, read the book, they will really move you!) -books for the lonely -blankets for the homeless -Bibles for the spiritually hungry -food for the physically hungry -gifts for those with no means -care packages -oversees help -assistance for the JESUS film project -hours of ministry service -clothing and greeting cards to the sick -homes for homeless families in Mexico -grief packages for those who  have miscarried or lost an infant -assistance to unwed mothers -medical equipment to those without -camp scholarships for needy children -a table for a family that had no where to sit at mealtime -a bone marrow drive -and many, many more!

there are some INCREDIBLE stories! -the story about Steve.  He lost his precious little girl  to a tragedy, and in the midst of his loneliness and depression, found this church and accepted Christ.   What did he do?  He got together with other’s in his neighborhood, and planned a wishing tree in the honor of his daughter, Alex.

The goal: to fulfill the Christmas wishes of needy families in the community who otherwise would have no gifts that year.  After taking a paper ornament with a child’s name and gift wish on it, the $100 that Steve started out with turned into over $8,000 in gifts and touched hundreds of people.  Steve didn’t have his daughter, but he had a new found happiness for the children that he helped, and he wrote “Perhaps the most profound impact from this project was that a man, after spending most of his adult life in darkness, stepped a bit further into the light”.

-Terry ended up using the money to help a woman who had left (with her two children) an abusive relationship.  Lisa  was then living in a safe house when she was assaulted and stabbed.  All of this woman’s dignity was gone, but she was still trying to make a better life for her children, and Terry helped.  Terry also became friends with Lisa, because Terry, too, had long ago been in an abusive relationship.

-Kim was talking to her friend who was taking a literature class and was reading to sick kids in the hospital.  She remarked that for many, it was all they had to look forward to.  Kim had her idea!  She used the money (and received donations) to buy books to make a library for the kids, and then kept it going by donating books to a teen shelter, as well!

-Brooke used the money for boys that could not join the boy scouts because they could not afford the cost of the uniforms or the book.

-Julie used the money (and the donations of others) to throw a baby shower for a young, unwed mother whose family had rejected her because of the pregnancy, and who had no real friends.  She got everything she needed, and most importantly, knew that she and her unborn baby were loved.

And what were the things that the volunteers said after it was all said and done?    “We received more than we ever gave” “God answered prayer” “A little can go a long way” “Opportunities are all around us every day. “I discovered what’s really important”

After three months, the facts were unbelievable.  $10,000 had become more than $100,000 and thousands of people had been clothed or fed or brought into a relationship with God.  Whole communities were changed in the process, and now, everyone wanted to know about the Kingdom Assignment.

Pretty interesting and exciting, huh?  I thought so! At the end of the book, it challenges the reader to do their own Kingdom Assignment.   I have really been thinking and praying about what I will do.  At first, I didn’t know what I could do, but now I realize, there are SO MANY ways that $100 can be used to help others, it’s so hard to choose.

So, here it is for you to read and ponder.  Would any of you like to take on the Kingdom Assignment with me? Can’t do the $100?  How about $50? $25?  Even five dollars can buy a homeless person lunch, even one dollar can buy someone a card to cheer their day. (the amount is NOT what matters!) Or how about your time (much more valuable to many than money!)  Instead of a hundred dollars, how about a hundred minutes?   Are you reading this, thinking, “Kingdom Assignment, I DON’T EVEN  BELIEVE IN GOD!” You can still do this assignment in your own way, you can still “PAY IT FORWARD”!  I’m sure there are many worthy causes you can think of that you would like to help!